Marin’s native azalea and rhododendron

Rhododendron occidentale, our native azalea, grows in Potrero Meadows on Mount Tamalpais, in Samuel P. Taylor State Park and on Azalea Hill near the high point of the Bolinas-Fairfax Road.

Rhododendron macrophyllum, our native rhododendron, grows near Muir Woods, Blithedale Canyon and Bolinas Ridge. The azalea has lightly fragrant, white flowers and is common around springs and streams.

There are many garden species (800) and named varieties (10,000) of the Rhododendron genus.

Rhododendrons and azaleas require different climate conditions. Both need excellent soil drainage or they may die from root rot. Other cultural requirements are filtered sun, regular water and rich, acid soil.

Check what’s available at your nursery with an eye on size, color and frost hardiness.